These family-friendly dog breeds make the perfect addition to any home

8. Bull terrier

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The bull terrier can get quite rambunctious and requires plenty of playtime. Therefore, he is a perfect dog for a large family. The bull terrier will return your affection by being very protective of your children for his average decade-long life expectancy.

Often mistaken for the larger pit bull, the bull terrier was bred to be a companion dog — friendly and loving toward grown-ups and kids alike. This well-framed dog also has a high threshold for pain, making him perfect for rambunctious children who are learning how to properly treat dogs.

The bull terrier comes in two sizes, which are standard (about 22 inches and anywhere between 40 and 85 pounds) and miniature (roughly half the size of the standard), so choose your size based on the size of your home. But note that even the little ones need plenty of exercise.